SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 2, 2025 – In a nail-biting finish that had handball fans on the edge of their seats, Barça secured the final spot in the TruckScout24 EHF FINAL4 2025, set for June 14–15 in Cologne—despite losing their home leg against PICK Szeged. Thanks to a narrow aggregate victory (56:54), the defending champions are now headed to their record-extending 21st Champions League semi-final.
Victory Against the Odds
Barça’s passage to the semi-finals wasn’t smooth sailing. Despite holding a three-goal advantage from the first leg, their 29:30 home loss to Hungary’s PICK Szeged made for an anxiety-filled evening at the iconic Palau Blaugrana. It was Szeged’s first-ever knockout victory in Barcelona since 1997—yet not enough to deny the Spanish giants their spot in Cologne.
A standout performance by Austrian winger Sebastian Frimmel, who netted 10 goals, kept Szeged in contention until the very last minute. Twice, they were on the verge of equalizing the aggregate score.
Ultimately, it was 18-year-old Petar Cikusa i Jelicic who delivered when it mattered most, scoring in the final minute to level the match and seal the aggregate win for Barça.
A Legendary Journey Continues
Barça’s march to Cologne solidifies their status as the most decorated team in EHF Champions League history:
- 11 championship titles
- 13 FINAL4 appearances
- 21 semi-final qualifications
- Most wins in tournament history
“Lucky or not, we’re proud to make it to Cologne again,” said head coach Carlos Ortega. “It’s never easy at this stage, and Szeged gave us one of the toughest battles of the season.”
A Tough Road to the FINAL4
Barça’s route to the FINAL4 was more challenging than fans anticipated. While they topped their group, their clashes with Szeged were intense from start to finish:
- Group Stage: 31:30 win in Barcelona, 26:26 draw in Szeged
- Quarter-Final 1st Leg: Came back from 18:21 to win 27:24 in Hungary
- Quarter-Final 2nd Leg: Lost 29:30 at home, but advanced on aggregate
Marko Sostaric of Szeged capped off his season on a high note, scoring eight in Barcelona to finish as the tournament’s top scorer with 130 goals.
What’s Next for Barça Fans
Barça will learn their semi-final opponent during the official draw in Vienna on Friday, May 2 at 14:00 CEST. The FINAL4 showdown in Cologne’s LANXESS arena promises two thrilling days of elite handball—and Barça is once again in the thick of it, chasing another historic title.
Whether you’re a long-time Barça supporter or a newcomer to the sport, the drama of the Champions League continues to deliver unforgettable moments.
Don’t miss out—tune in June 14–15 to witness handball history in the making. Learn more at https://ehfcl.eurohandball.com.